The traffic in metropolitan Guadalajara is unbelievable, as it is in all the surrounding areas that have really grown to be a part of Guadalajara itself. The numbers in population vary when I look on different websites, but the “official” site states in 2015 the population is 1.45 million; some sites are in the 4 millions and that must incorporate all the areas around Guadalajara. At any rate, I was lucky enough to have relatives driving me around; and as we drove I snapped photos. The murals in particular captivated me, as well as all the color. As I left in an Uber ride to the airport when I was leaving Guadalajara, it felt like a slow-mo video as I looked out the window of the car at the old, the new, the color and life of this vibrant city.

I have shamelessly brought photos over from my Instagram page for today’s post here; for those who follow me there, muchos sorrys. The Sunday Traveler is getting on the crazy train to move to a new home next week

So here are just a few more photos

“Love and defend your country, don’t destroy it”

The Sunday Traveler will take a little hiatus here, and will be back in a few weeks.

As long as I live, I will never forget the comment of my sister, who had never been out of the United States in her life — she was about 58 at the time — as we drove out of the Guadalajara airport where I had picked her and my mother up in 2000. She looked around and asked, in all seriousness: Are most of the people who live here Mexican?